1999-2002 Sea Ray Sundancer 340 Specs and Review [Video]

Sea Ray manufactured its 2^nd generation Sundancer 340 from 1999 through 2002, which was one of the most popular mid-cabin cruisers in its class. It utilized a 34-foot fiberglass hull and twin V8 MerCruiser engine packages rated at 520-760hp.

You might also be interested in its successor, the redesigned 3^rd generation (2003-2008) Sundancer 340.

But in this post, we’ll take a look at the 2^nd generation model, manufactured from 1999 to 2002.

1999-2003 Sea Ray Sundancer 340 Review

History 

Sea-Ray revealed its 340 cruiser line in 1984 with the introduction of the Sedan Bridge. This series was completed with the Express Cruiser and the Sundancer.

Unlike its siblings, the latter was designed with a modern, open-plan interior, which made this model so popular.

Marketed from 1984 through 1989, the first-generation Sundancer 340 featured a very angular design. After a decade-long hiatus, Sea Ray re-introduced its completely redesigned successor in 1999.

This 2^nd generation model remained in production until late 2002 when it was phased out by its more advanced, 3^rd generation 340.

Hull and Top Deck

The 2^nd generation (1999-2002) model was built on a modified-V fiberglass hull, featuring a 17-degree transom dead rise.

With a bolt-on swim platform, the boat measured 36 feet 3 inches in length and 11 feet 5 inches in width. Its draft was 32 inches with inboard and 35 inches with sterndrive engines.

The claimed dry weight was 13,000 pounds, which increased to 15,000 pounds when fully loaded.

It housed a 225-gallon aluminum fuel tank, a 40-gallon plastic freshwater tank, and a 28-gallon plastic holding tank.

Sitting on a triple-axle trailer the gross weight of the boat reached around 18,000 pounds.

Its modern, luxurious top deck was designed with a large cockpit, which offered plenty of seating and storage space.

Larger crews appreciated the double-bench seating area, which could accommodate six people around a removable deck table. These benches could also be transformed into a pair of sun pads.

What’s more, removing the aft bench seat freed up a lot of deck space, which could be used for various recreational activities like fishing.

Keeping entertainment in mind, this aft lounge was completed with a refreshment center with a sink, faucet, cooler, ice maker, and a lot of storage space. The optional fridge could be fitted in place of the ice maker.

Behind this lounge, you could access the extended swim platform through a deck door.

Keeping comfort and safety in mind, helm seating utilized a fully adjustable, bolstered Captain’s seat accompanied by a double passenger seat.

The classic Sea Ray helm was equipped with analog gauges including a speedometer, tachometers, fuel gauge, accessory switches, and a Raymarine radar/VHF unit.

To the greatest regret of many owners, the boat lacked a walkthrough windshield. It was a huge design flaw since reaching the foredeck through the narrow side deck was quite uncomfortable.

To make up for this issue, you could find solid grab handles and side railings on the deck.

Cabin

There’s no question that what made the Sundancer 340 so popular was its mid-cabin. (Its closest relatives, the Sea-Ray 340 Sedan Bridge and 340 Express Cruiser featured completely a different layout.)

In addition to so much free space, the open-plan interior housed a pedestal V-berth, galley, dinette, bathroom, and versatile aft cabin.

Located between the salon and the engine compartment, this discreetly hidden room could either be used as a living room or sleeping area for six.

The galley was also designed with a plethora of counters including a breakfast bar, a lot of storage cabinets, and quality hardware.

Other luxury accents included leather upholstery and high-gloss wood cabinet doors, pull-out TV, and more.

Optional features included a diesel or gasoline-powered generator, which was a “must-have” accessory when the boat spent days out on open waters.

Engines

The 1999-2002 Sundancer 340 was available with a wide variety of twin V8 MerCruiser engine options rated at 420-760hp depending on their features.

To be more precise the list of engine options was as follows (1999 model year):

• T-5.7L (std.) T-210hp
• T-350 Magnum MPI T-300hp
• T-7.4L MPI T-310hp
• T-7.4L MPI Bravo I T-320hp
• T-7.4L MPI Horizon T-380hp
• T-4.2L D-Tronic Bravo III T-250hp
• T-4.2L D-Tronic T-250hp

As their name suggests, the 7.4L MPI Bravo I and the 4.2L D-Tronic Bravo III came standard with MerCruiser Bravo sterndrive propulsion systems.

The rest of the available power sources were inboard engines utilizing a V-drive configuration.

Compared to the sterndrive, the latter was more reliable due to its simplicity and fewer moving parts. This durable propulsion system showed its advantages, especially in saltwater environments.

Twin power sources were planted in a very crowded engine compartment hidden beneath the aft seating area, covered with an innovative power engine compartment hatch.

Performance

Contrary to popular belief, the Sundancer 340 was not designed to be an offshore cruiser. Over a 3-foot chop, its hull bounced heavily, which was neither comfortable nor safe for the crew.

On the other hand, it offered a smooth and predictable performance on calm waters and a light chop.

You could expect a comfortable cruising speed in the ballpark of 24-27 mph (21-23 knots) while it topped out at 35-40 mph (30-35 knots) on the speedo.

Sure, its top speed and hole-shot acceleration depended on the engine package.

Due to a greater torque, the diesel and “big-block” 7.4-liter gasoline engines were far more popular than the standard 5.4L Merc.

Surprisingly, the larger engines proved to be more fuel-efficient, since they didn’t have to work as hard.

As an example, the Sundancer 340 with twin 7.4L MPI Horizon 760hp used a combined 27 gph at 3000 RPM while cruising at 23-24 mph.

The WOT fuel consumption of the same engine package was 65-66 gph at 40 mph.

These numbers converted to .85 and .6 mpg, respectively.

Burning all of its 214-gallon usable fuel, the boat had an estimated range of 185 miles at a speed of 24 mpg.

Thanks to the underwater exhaust system, the engines were surprisingly quiet which ensured a relaxing boating experience.

Problems

Even though the 2^nd generation 340 was an amazing boat, it had design flaws, including:

• Narrow side deck
• Lack of a walkthrough windshield
• Overcrowded, tight engine compartment
• Poor rough water performance (anything over 3’)
• Non-responsive handling at idle speed

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main factory specs of the 3^rd generation Sea Ray Sundancer 340 (1999 model year):

Dimensions

Overall length	33’ 6”
Overall Length w/std. swim platform	36’ 3”
Beam	11’ 5”
Draft (Inboards)	32”
Draft (Stern Drive Down)	35”
Draft (Stern Drive Up)	24”
Dead Rise	17°
Keel to top off spoiler	12’ 1”
Keel top off windshield	9’ 10”
Waterline to top off spoiler	9’ 11”
Waterline top-off spoiler	7’ 8”
Spoiler to top off mastlight	1’ 2”

Weight and Capacities

Dry weight	13,000 lbs.
Fuel capacity	225 gal.
Usable fuel	214 gal.
Water capacity	40 gal.
Holding tank	28 gal.

Engine Specs

Engine Type (MerCruiser V8)	5.7L (std.)	7.4L MPI Bravo I	350 Magnum MPI	7.4L MPI	7.4L MPI Horizon	4.2L D-Tronic Bravo III	4.2L D-Tronic
Gas/Diesel	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Diesel	Diesel
No. of engines	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
HP	2 x 260	2 x 320	2 x 300	2 x 310	2 x 380	2 x 225	2 x 225
Displacement (L)	5.7L	7.4L	5.7L	7.4L	7.4L	4.2L	4.2L
Propulsion	V-Drive	Sterndrive (Bravo I)	V-Drive	V-Drive	V-Drive	Sterndrive (Bravo III)	V-Drive

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Unique and stylish, the 2^nd generation Sundancer 340 was one of the most popular Sea-Ray cruisers ever built.

As the name suggests, it was designed with a 34-foot modified V hull and 420-760hp twin MerCruiser engine packages.

Thanks to their high durability, many of them are still in very good condition and sold for reasonable prices.

If you look through the ads and social media fan groups, you can find plenty of these boats for sale for $40,000-$120,000.

If you are considering buying one of these iconic mid-cabin cruisers, make sure to choose one with a diesel or a big-block T-7.4L gasoline engine package.

This boat with the standard T-5.7L variant is not only underpowered, but it’s also very hard to sell.

References:

Rightboat.com

Boats.com